Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse believes it's a waste of time arguing against a cap on player rotations because the AFL has already made up its mind.
The laws of the game committee is expected to report next month on ways to regulate the interchange system which the league believes has exploded out of control.
Malthouse reckons it's inevitable that interchange restrictions will be applied for next season and he's annoyed that the views of the clubs are being ignored.
"I have a very strong view and it's a waste of time because none of our recommendations or considerations or data has been considered," said Malthouse on Wednesday.
"If that is denied, then we would be still in debate over it, but we are clearly going to be told from a long way back what to expect for next year, so the only thing you can do is prepare for next year's changes."
Malthouse conceded that clubs had very effectively exploited the interchange system to the point where the average number of rotations per match has blown out to 115.
But he claimed that the interests of the players remain paramount.
"It has become a tactic but we've never lost sight of the fact that that our greatest assets in any football club are, in fact, the players," said Malthouse.
"It would be a total dereliction of duty if we flaunt that rule for our own needs and forget that we have got 40-odd players on our list that we want to see maximise, yes, their abilities, but also maximise their ability to play for a long career."
"We are not in the industry to make rash moves, multiple moves to reduce the effectiveness or the longevity of a playing group."
"No-one looks after their players better than the clubs, no-one, because that's our bread and butter."
"We go out of our way to ensure that our player group are looked after to the 'nth' degree and beyond."
Malthouse said Geelong coach Mark Thompson who supports moves to cut back rotations is entitled to his views, but it's a matter of "each to their own".
"If you want to make one a quarter to 100 a game, then so be it," Malthouse said.
"No-one's saying it's right, no-one's saying it's wrong, it's just what we believe that is best for our football club."
"The last thing that we want to do is hinder the football club by hindering the health of all of our players."